The Sea Chase Page #4

British nationality by marriage...

...preferably into a naval family.

But I shall see that my failure

to comply is reported...

...completely, and with reasons.

So long as you had

to hurt Jeff so badly...

...I'm sorry it was

cold-blooded duty with you.

- Did you bring any baggage aboard?

- Only one case.

If you need any extra clothing,

we can outfit you from the slop chest.

Where do I sleep?

Right in here.

You'll find fresh bed linen in that closet.

- Here's the bath...

- I found it.

...which connects with

my sleeping quarters.

- There's a lock on both sides of the door.

- I found that too.

So we now share a wonderful bond:

Mutual self-preservation.

I don't want prison,

and you don't want internment.

You'd have been lucky

to get away with a prison sentence...

...so I don't think you'll complain if you

find this ship slightly similar to a prison.

Prison is only a state of mind.

Well, I'm in a tired state of mind

right now.

Bridge.

Have all officers report to the bridge

at the change of watch, and call me.

Aye, aye, sir.

And now, if you don't mind...

Your invitation to the wardroom

is accepted, gentlemen.

And I have not come empty-handed.

I have two signals here.

Number one, we have

declared war on Germany.

Finally.

Number two, a German freighter,

the Ergenstrasse...

...slipped out of Sydney last night.

Ours is the not-too-glorious task

of making a sweep and intercepting her.

Sit down, gentlemen.

There goes your leave, Napier.

- What will you have to drink?

- Beer, thank you.

It'd seem they'd find us something

more important to do.

This is our position.

One of the destroyers is somewhere

along this arc, about here.

I expect it to pass inshore of us.

The other one is about here.

I'm reducing speed shortly

so it'll pass offshore.

I hope. The Rockhampton,

I think we can discount at present.

- It'll be a tight squeeze, sir.

- And a chance.

Double the lookouts and turn tail

at every shadow of smoke.

- Keep ours at a minimum.

- But that destroyer...

...she can cut us off, sir.

That is no longer our course,

Mr. Bachman.

We're not attempting

to make Yokohama. That is all.

Sir, if we're turning south,

what will we burn for coal?

What will we eat?

There are no ports.

I'll appropriate food at the shipwreck

relief station on Auckland Island.

- But fuel...

- One thing at a time, Mr. Kirchner.

I think you're well indoctrinated

in the game of follow-the-leader.

- Yes, but I was under the impression...

- Muster all hands.

You're to keep all ports covered.

Smoking lamp is out

except on specific order.

And nothing to be thrown overboard.

- Nothing, from now on.

- I believe I have made it quite obvious...

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